I have just returned from a trip across Africa and during my spare time I took in some Basketball action where I could.  I came across a number of African ladies games and spent some time watching those too and wow – end to end action!

Some people might not be aware of the vibrant basketball culture amongst women in Africa, but the fact is that African women are showing off their basketball skills and making waves in international competitions. From Lagos to Nairobi, and Cairo to Johannesburg, the courts are filled with fierce and competitive women who are not afraid to give their male counterparts a run for their money.

But make no mistake, this is not your typical WNBA game. When watching an African women’s basketball game, you might see players juggling a ball with their hips, heads and a lot of other body parts!  Yes, most of these games I watched were not considered ‘professional’ by my travelling counterparts but that is missing the point – there were moves that would make even the Harlem Globetrotters jealous. The game is fast-paced, electric, and unpredictable – almost like a circus act!

You might also notice that African women have a unique way of cheering on their team. When their favourite player makes a shot or scores a point, they do not just clap and cheer – no, no, no. They put on a show! Dancing, twerking, and even flipping in the air are all part of the celebration. It is like watching some kind of basketball carnival.

And let us not forget about fashion! African women take their basketball attire very seriously. They wear the most colourful and vibrant jerseys and shorts you have ever seen. You might even think you are watching a fashion show instead of a basketball game. And the shoes? Oh my God! Let us just say they are not your typical basketball shoes. Heels, sandals, and even barefoot are all part of the game.

Despite all the fun and games, the players take their sport seriously. They train hard and put their heart and soul into every game. They are an inspiration to young girls across the continent who dream of making it big in the world of sports.

One thing that makes African women’s basketball teams unique is their use of music during the game. Instead of having a silent gym with occasional cheering, African women’s basketball games have a constant musical soundtrack powering them. The fans are always cheering, and music is blasting from the speakers in the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere like no other.

When it comes to the pre-game rituals, African women’s basketball teams have some of the most unusual ones. For example, the Nigerian women’s basketball team does a “victory dance” before every game. It is a rhythmic pattern of moves that includes clapping, jumping, and stomping that unites the players and gets them hyped up.

Another thing that makes African women’s basketball different is the level of athleticism displayed. African women are known for their physical strength, and it shows on the court. You will see players leaping high into the air, diving for loose balls, and doing acrobatic layups that leave the crowd breathless.

And of course, no discussion of African women’s basketball would be complete without mentioning the hair. African women are proud of their hair, and they show it off on the basketball court. You will see players with all kinds of hairstyles, from braids to weaves to afros. And they do not let their hair get in the way of the game either. 

All in all, African women’s basketball is a sight to behold. It is fun, energetic, and full of surprises. If you ever get a chance to watch a game, do not pass it up. You will be entertained in ways you never thought possible.

In conclusion, African women’s Basketball is not just a sport, it is a way of life. It is a celebration of skill, talent and most importantly fun. So the next time you are watching an African women’s basketball game, sit back, relax, and get ready to be entertained as Women’s basketball has been growing in popularity in Africa, and there are several countries that have made significant strides in developing their women’s teams. Some of the countries that are known to have strong women’s basketball teams in Africa include:

Nigeria: Nigeria is known for having a strong women’s basketball team. The team has won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament a record 11 times and has also participated in the Olympic Games several times.

Senegal: Senegal is another country that has a strong women’s basketball team. The team has won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament four times and has also participated in the Olympic Games.

Mali: Mali is also known for having a strong women’s basketball team. The team has won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament three times and has also participated in the Olympic Games.

Angola: Angola is another country that has a strong women’s basketball team. The team has won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament three times and has also participated in the Olympic Games.

Egypt: Egypt has a promising women’s basketball team, with the team winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in 1974, 1997, and 2017. The team has also participated in the Olympic Games.